Ceramicists Pablo Tito and Tito Martínez, from Úbeda, have successfully breathed life into a historical piece like the Alhambra Vase, whose origins date back to the 14th century. Their creation, Luz de Andalucía, incorporates elements of light and molding, giving it a unique dynamism.
This artwork will be exhibited at the Milano Design Week 2026, a renowned international event, as part of the exhibition “Today’s Masters Meet Tomorrow’s Talents”. This exhibition, a central component of the Homo Faber Fellowship 2025/26 program, brings together 22 duos of master artisans and emerging talents from various countries.
The proposal by Pablo Tito and Tito Martínez was selected from numerous applications. Their collaborative work, developed by father and son, symbolizes the fusion of Úbeda's deep-rooted pottery tradition with a contemporary vision, aligning with the program's goal of fostering knowledge transfer and intergenerational collaboration.
“"We were inspired, of course, by the Alhambra Vase, but also by the exhibition's theme of light and movement. That's why we adapted the Alhambra Vase; the handles have an upward twist, and the neck also has that twist that simulates movement."
Luz de Andalucía is a modern reinterpretation of the Alhambra Vase, one of the most iconic pieces of Nasrid ceramics. While maintaining the original stylized ovoid body, narrow base, and developed neck, the artisans have introduced dynamism, light, and a strong territorial identity. The work consists of two large-format pieces, 130 and 50 centimeters tall respectively, creating a dialogue between scale and proportion.
During the creative process, the artisans focused on the interaction with light and the ability of materials to come alive, following the artistic direction defined by Giampiero Bodino. The decoration incorporates the characteristic openwork of Úbeda ceramics, allowing light to pass through the surface and activate the volume from within, transforming the piece into a living object that changes with illumination.
The piece includes hidden details that pay homage to Úbeda. The artisan from Úbeda revealed that, among the arabesque motifs, the names of his family, the city's coat of arms, and the traditional rooster from Úbeda pottery have been "hidden".
Chromatically, the artists deliberately moved away from Úbeda's traditional glazed green, opting for earthy tones that evoke the sandstone of the city's Renaissance architecture. This choice connects the Islamic heritage and Renaissance legacy. The pieces were fired in a traditional wood-fired Arab kiln, preserved in their century-old workshop, at 1,000 ºC for over 26 uninterrupted hours, which gives them unique and unrepeatable nuances.
The Homo Faber Fellowship program, driven by the Michelangelo Foundation with support from Jaeger-LeCoultre and collaboration from the Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association, connects masters with young creators. The exhibition, part of Arts & Crafts & Design, will take place from April 21 to 26 at Casa degli Artisti, solidifying Milan as a global showcase for contemporary craftsmanship.
